Brinkley to give up post

State senator won't seek leadership

August 23, 2008|By Laura Smitherman | Laura Smitherman,Sun reporter

Maryland state Sen. David R. Brinkley, the minority leader, said yesterday that he would not seek a leadership post in the Republican Party caucus next year, partly because he said he needs to focus on his home life and business.

Brinkley, a financial adviser from Frederick County who has been in the General Assembly since 1995, was involved in a domestic dispute with his wife to which sheriff's deputies responded in May. No charges were filed in the incident.

The Senate Republican caucus is planning a meeting for September during which it will chose leaders. Sen. Allan H. Kittleman, the minority whip who represents Howard and Carroll counties, is a possible successor to Brinkley.

"When it comes time for election, I'll let someone else take it over," said Brinkley, who represents Carroll and Frederick counties. "I've got plenty on my plate."

The senator was elected to his leadership post in the minority caucus in 2007 after a bitter debate among GOP lawmakers over the direction of their caucus. Brinkley and Kittleman were considered a more politically moderate ticket than their competitors for the posts, Sens. Andy Harris and Alex X. Mooney of Baltimore and Frederick counties, respectively.

Brinkley, a member of the Budget and Taxation Committee, led the opposition in the Senate to Gov. Martin O'Malley's spending plans and tax-increase proposals, offering instead plans to balance the budget through steep cuts in planned spending. However, he is known as a soft-spoken legislator who is willing to work with the opposing party.

Mooney and Sen. Nancy Jacobs of Harford County are also seen as likely candidates for leadership posts once Brinkley steps down. Harris is running for Congress but could also be a candidate if he fails in that election.